Barrel Back - Try their wings, you will not regret it. Order them naked, well done, sauce on the side. Pair with a Michigan IPA and enjoy the views of Walloon Lake, Ernest Hemingway's childhood stomping grounds and also his Honeymoon getaway.

Chandler's A Restaurant - Elevated offerings in a cozy setting situated in downtown Petoskey. Capacity is small, be sure to reserve in advance.

Willow - Local produce and seasonal menus highlight this Harbor Springs restaurant. Capacity is low, be sure to reserve in advance.

Cafe Santé - Located just a stone’s throw from the far eastern end of Lake Charlevoix, Cafe Santé is a locals favorite. Inspired by the classic French Brasserie, this Boyne City spot is open all day. Dine inside for a real bistro feel, or outdoors on the patio!

Stafford's Pier - This longstanding anchor of the Harbor Springs dining scene underwent a major renovation five years ago and is worth revisiting if it’s been awhile. A more casual version of its former self, the nautical themed- redo is fitting for being just footsteps from some of the most exquisite yachts in all of Lake Michigan. Grab a mint julep to-go and sip it in the city’s nearby “social drinking district” while you wait for a table to open up on Dudley’s Deck. Once seated, order the fish and chips or the pan roasted walleye with tomatoes, capers, and white wine butter and watch the world (and the Lilly Pulitzer parade) go by.

Douglas Lake Bar and Steakhouse - Halfway between Petoskey and the Mighty Mac—and not far away from the Pellston airport—sits Douglas Lake and the aptly named Douglas Lake Bar and Steakhouse (aka “the DLB”). This rustic log restaurant features two fieldstone fireplaces and a lakeside patio, and is beloved for their wedge salad and steak au poivre. Be sure to hit this woodland gem on a Sunday evening in July or August—when there’s a rotating lineup of live music.

Boathouse - Old Mission Peninsula is the spit of land that heads due north out of Traverse City, splitting Grand Traverse Bay into two: East Bay and West Bay. Nestled in a small cove known as Bowers Harbor, looking west over West Bay, is Boathouse Restaurant—fittingly named for the sailboats that also call this calm harbor home. Treat yourself to a dozen oysters (the restaurant goes through some 10,000 of them every summer) and one of the 30 Michigan wines on offer, followed by any of the entrees that feature fruits or vegetables from owner’s Doug Kosch’s personal 10-acre farm.

The Riverside Inn - This 120-year-old inn and restaurant in Leland has seen it all in recent years—a jaw dropping remodel, a kitchen fire, and (like everyone) a pandemic. Summer 2021 is shaping up to be just as eventful. At press time, one of Leelanau County’s best restaurants was just a week or two away from changing hands. The new owners promise fellow locals that nothing will change, including the head chef, general manager, lead bartender, and sustainable scallops. Dishes like this one evolve with the seasons, but the mollusks are currently being served pan-seared with fennel cream puree, fresh peas, white asparagus, and an orange beurre blanc. Make sure there’s also room on your table for any of the Riv’s salads—like the blueberry and watermelon radish beauty that was served last summer—and a glass of organic or biodynamic wine.

Trattoria Stella - Stella exudes old world charm the moment you walk in the door, and your experience only gets better from there. Located at the beautiful and historic Grand Traverse Commons, once the site of the Traverse City State Hospital, the restaurant has a cozy, intimate feel despite having close to 185 seats. Exposed brick, warm tones, and hidden alcoves to dine in make you feel like you are in Italy as soon as you sit down. Once you do, get ready for the meal of a lifetime.

Legs Inn - Harbor Springs - Polish immigrant Stanley Smolak created the fantasy-like world of Legs Inn in the early 1920s. Named after the row of inverted stove legs used to make the decorative railing on the roof, Legs Inn is an architectural and historical wonder and has been honored on "PBS Under The Radar Michigan," TripAdvisor "2016 Certificate of Excellence" and Thrillist.com "Iconic & Classic Michigan Restaurants" & "Great American Food & Drink Destinations." Historic Landmark dining destination serving authentic Polish & American cuisine. Family owned 90+ years. Over 100+ beers. Unique atmosphere and decor. Garden dining with panoramic Lake Michigan views. Artisan Gift Shop and Curio Store.

Ernest Hemingway Self Guided Tour - Petoskey - Ernest Hemingway spent a great deal of time in the surrounding area, as well as having a boyhood home on Walloon Lake, where he would later hold his honeymoon.

Andrew Blackbird Museum - Harbor Springs - Odawa tribe leader and author of the 1887 book "History of the Ottawa and Chippewa Indians of Michigan"

Early Young Homes - Such interesting looking buildings! Stop by the Charlevoix Visitors Bureau for a brochure highlighting the "mushroom houses" and public buildings created by architect Earl Young. Designed to fit into the landscape, Young's buildings used various types of stone in their construction. Flowing lines and cedar shake roofs make many of these houses appear almost gnome-like. A fun self-guided tour even if you're not an architecture aficionado. 109 Mason Street Charlevoix, MI 49720

Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes - Maple City, MI - Sleeping Bear Dunes is a National Lakeshore that ranks as one of the most beautiful stretches of sand dunes in the world. The towering dunes are majestic. However, thanks to their 450-foot drops, you’ll need to be fit to enjoy them. Getting to the bottom isn’t a problem, but getting back up requires some serious strength.

Fishtown - Leland, MI - Northern Michigan's commercial fishing heritage remains alive today in Leland's Fishtown. Walk along the docks, amongst the weathered fishing shanties, smokehouses, racks of drying fishing nets, and fish tugs on the Leland River, and you can imagine what it would have been like in the early 1900s to live and work in this small fishing village, nestled along the shore of Lake Michigan. Fishtown still operates as one of the only working commercial fishing villages in the state of Michigan. Many of the shanties now house delightful gift and clothing boutiques, art galleries and specialty food shops. Summer bustles with activity, and during colder seasons the docks become quiet and tranquil. Visit Fishtown anytime of the year, and discover why it remains a favorite destination for visitors and locals alike! Fishtown was designated a Michigan State Historic Site in 1973 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.